Sandro Steinbach Presents Global Ag Tech Transfer Strategies at Agricultural Productivity Growth Workshop

Arlington, VA, April 18, 2025 — Dr. Sandro Steinbach, participated in the Agricultural Productivity Growth Workshop, where he presented “Strategies for Global Technology Transfer in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges.” In his presentation, Dr. Steinbach addressed one of the most pressing issues in global food security: the need to increase agricultural productivity by at least 60% by 2050 to feed a projected global population of 10 billion. He emphasized the compounding risks posed by climate change, which threatens to reduce crop yields by over 25%, while current food systems already contribute nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Drawing from the latest research and investment trends, Steinbach provided an-in-depth analysis of the innovation gap in agriculture — the disconnect between technology development, access, and adoption, particularly in low-income regions. He noted that while annual global ag R&D investment has surpassed $60 billion, more than 70% comes from the private sector, and only 6% of that investment reaches low-income countries.

Through case studies like the successful global adoption of glyphosate-tolerant soybeans and the cautionary example of MIR162 GM corn’s rejection by China, Steinbach illustrated how regulatory misalignment and governance gaps can either enable or block promising innovations. His presentation emphasized the importance of policy harmonization, smart incentives, and investment in infrastructure and extension services to bridge these gaps.

Steinbach also introduced a framework for effective agricultural technology transfer, identifying critical stages from R&D emergence to market scaling and saturation. He called for stronger South-South technology transfer platforms, global R&D collaboration, alignment of trade and innovation policies, and integrated food systems investments to drive inclusive productivity growth.

The workshop gathered global experts, policymakers, and academic leaders to discuss practical strategies for sustainable agricultural development, with Steinbach’s presentation providing actionable insights for addressing technology adoption challenges worldwide.